5 tips for creating the perfect study zone

Working or studying from home is all the more difficult if you’re sharing a house. 

Navigating and negotiating noise levels amid looming assignment deadlines can be enough to drive a person to breaking point.

To make life easier, here are some tips to create the perfect study zone in your share house.

1. Internet work-arounds

Slow internet can be a huge pain when trying to submit assignments or stream online classes.

To avoid connectivity hiccups while studying, consider investing in your own internet connection. Optus’ 4G Home Internet provides internet that works straight from the box, no installation required.

Plus, if you’re not so sure how long you’ll be in your share house, if your new address is in a coverage area you can take this device with you when you move. The best part? You can choose the month-to-month plan, eliminating long term contracts and installation/disconnection hassles.

Just plug it in and voila!

2. Ergonomic advice

You may have a desk and an office chair, but are you using them correctly?

The top of your screen should be at eye level. Picture: Pexels

Consider these ergonomic workstation setup tips from Safe Work Australia:

• The top of the screen or monitor should be at eye-level or just below;
• Your elbows should be bent at 90 degrees when typing;
• Your screen should be roughly an arms length away; and
• Your mouse should be parallel to your keyboard.

Beyond this, ensure you have a chair that supports your back and don’t forget to take frequent, standing breaks.

3. Noise reduction

Living in a share house or dorm means navigating the schedules and lifestyles of the other people you live with.

Whether you need more silence or more volume, the best investment you can make is noise-cancelling headphones.

Noise cancelling headphones will complete your share house study operation. Picture: Pexels

Study when others are sleeping and sleep when others are rising. Listen to your Zoom calls and recorded lectures without having to pause to tell your housemate to turn it down a notch.

4. Let there be light

Eye strain can be an issue for anyone spending extended periods of time at a computer. Combat this with proper lighting and eye care techniques.

When it comes to lighting, you want to ensure the workspace is well-lit so you’re not straining to read. However, eye strain can occur if the light is too bright and is positioned above or behind you.

Bright light to your side is optimal for long periods at your desk. Picture: Pexels

Furthermore, placing your screen in front of a window may also seem like a good idea, but it can actually be more hurtful to your eyes.

Ideally, the light source would be slightly to your side or beside your screen.

Having said that, the very best way to avoid eye strain is to take frequent breaks and don’t forget to blink!

5. Get comfy

Comfort is key when it comes to working or studying from home.

This can extend beyond an ergonomic desk and chair setup. Consider extras like putting a mat or rug on the floor if you’re working over wood or tiles. Or have an extra cushion at the ready for back support.

Most importantly, ensure you’re not too hot or cold. If your home isn’t fit out with air con, have a good little heater or fan for temperature control.

source: realestate.com.au